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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and supply chain strategies for complex defence bids.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the Defence and Digital sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping high-value bid submissions.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial, procurement, or subcontracts in regulated sectors.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on long-term, high-profile programmes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Subcontract Bids Manager to support a leading organisation operating within the Defence and Digital domain. This role will play a key part in supporting major business-winning activity through the leadership of procurement and supply chain strategy across complex bids.
Location: Guildford (Hybrid working)
Contract: 12-month contract (Inside IR35)
Clearance: Must hold live SC Clearance used within the last 12 months (Sole British Nationals only)
Overview
The Role: We are supporting a leading defence organisation in the search for an experienced Subcontract Bids Manager to support the delivery of complex, high-value bid submissions. This role sits within the bids and commercial function, with a strong emphasis on subcontracts, procurement and supply chain strategy rather than traditional bid writing. You will play a key role in shaping bid solutions by managing supplier engagement, subcontract strategies, commercial inputs and risk.
Working closely with bid, procurement, legal, engineering and finance teams, you will ensure that all subcontract and supply chain elements of bids are commercially robust, compliant and competitive.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop subcontracting and supply chain strategies for bids
- Manage supplier engagement, RFQs, negotiations and commercial inputs
- Support bid pricing, cost models, assumptions and risk management
- Draft, review and manage subcontract terms and commercial flow-downs
- Ensure compliance with internal governance, defence standards and procurement regulations
- Act as the key commercial interface between bids, procurement, legal and supply chain teams
- Support bid reviews, approvals and submission readiness activities
What We're Looking For
- Strong experience in commercial, procurement or subcontracts within a bid environment
- Background working on defence, aerospace, engineering or other highly regulated sector bids
- Proven capability managing supplier strategy, negotiations and commercial risk
- Comfortable supporting complex, multi-stakeholder bid environments
- Knowledge of defence contracting and supply chain frameworks (desirable)
- Active SC clearance and Sole British nationality
Why Apply?
- High-impact role supporting critical defence bid activity
- Clear ownership of commercial and supply chain elements of bids
- Hybrid working with a Guildford base
- Opportunity to work on long-term, complex and high-profile programmes
Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager in Guildford employer: Cyber Security Forum Initiative
Contact Detail:
Cyber Security Forum Initiative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in subcontracting and supply chain strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of defence contracting and supply chain frameworks. Be ready to discuss your experience managing supplier engagement and negotiations, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your SC clearance during conversations with recruiters. It’s a big plus in the defence sector and can set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing the job. Tailor your approach to show how your skills align with the specific needs of the role, especially in managing complex bids and commercial inputs.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial, procurement, and subcontract management. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the Subcontract Bids Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm for the defence sector and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your work with complex bids and supplier engagement. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to manage risk and develop effective supply chain strategies.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Guildford.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyber Security Forum Initiative
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of the bids you'll be discussing. Familiarise yourself with the procurement and supply chain strategies relevant to the role, as well as any recent projects the company has undertaken in the defence sector.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing supplier engagement and negotiations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex commercial inputs and risk management in previous roles.
✨Understand Compliance and Governance
Brush up on the internal governance and defence standards that are crucial for this position. Being able to articulate your knowledge of compliance in the context of subcontracting will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Multi-Stakeholder Scenarios
Think of instances where you've worked with various teams like legal, engineering, and finance. Prepare to discuss how you managed these relationships and ensured all elements of bids were commercially robust and competitive.
